Collingwood premiership player Heritier Lumumba has questioned the club's motives behind their racism apology letter, but says he believes in the players' sincerity.
Following the 'Do Better' investigation, which found there was systemic racism problem within Collingwood, the club's players and staff arranged an apology letter that was posted through the AFL Players Twitter account.
Previously, the club's hierarchy, including president Eddie McGuire, declared the results of the racism investigation a 'proud day' for Collingwood - to which Lumumba accused their response of containing 'delusion and dishonesty'.
MORE: Collingwood president Eddie McGuire issues apology over 'proud day' comments | AFL accused of double standards around COVID rules by West Coast's Will Schofield
The 'Do Better' report vindicated accusations by Lumumba against Collingwood of racial vilification during his time at the club between 2005 and 2014 with the investigation finding a history of racism issues within the organisation.
Lumumba, who won a premiership with Collingwood in 2010, believes management are still dodging their responsibilities in apologising and the club used the players' apology as a public relations exercise.
He did note that he felt the players were genuinely sorry for the racism that had occurred at the club - but raised other questions about the validity of the apology.
"My response to the recent letter from Collingwood FC players: I don’t doubt the sincerity of players when they say they are ashamed of staying silent and have been shocked by the contents of the leaked #CFCDoBetter report," Lumumba wrote on Twitter.
"However, a few things should be noted.
5/ Unfortunately, this feels like the club using the genuine sentiment of some players and staff as a tool for damage control. This explains the lukewarm public response to the letter.
— Héritier Lumumba (@iamlumumba) February 5, 2021
"It’s strange that young players – who are not responsible for the administration and culture of the club – have issued an unconditional statement acknowledging harm when the management and leadership of the club have yet to do so.
"All staff and players’ surely includes black players and staff, as well as players and staff of colour. Why should they be apologising for racism?
"Unfortunately, this feels like the club using the genuine sentiment of some players and staff as a tool for damage control. This explains the lukewarm public response to the letter.
"I continue to be overwhelmed by Collingwood members and fans expressing their shame and remorse over the club’s past, as well as their frustrations that the club cannot simply do the same.”
